GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 13311  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Pre and Post Convertor Heated Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
ESD Notice

Circuit Description

This diagnostic test is used to determine if the heating element in the pre-converter oxygen sensor is operating properly. An oxygen sensor acts as a battery because it creates its own voltage once it reaches operating temperature. This voltage is produced when the oxygen content in the exhaust stream is different than that in the atmosphere. The heating element is energized through CKT 839 when the ignition is ON and allows the oxygen sensor to reach operating temperature quickly. This in turn allows the PCM to enter Closed Loop fuel control quicker. When cold the voltage that the PCM measures on the O2 sensor HI and LOW inputs is called bias voltage. If it takes too long for the O2 sensor to very above or below the bias voltage within a specific time since key ON DTC P0141 will set

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Test Conditions

    •  DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0117, P0118 and P0140 not set.
    •  Engine coolant temperature dropped at least 10°C (50°F) from the end of the last ignition cycle to the beginning of this ignition cycle.
    •  Ignition voltage 11 volts or more.
    •  Average pre-converter heated oxygen sensor bias voltage between 352 mv and 546 mv.
    •  Engine did not stall during test.

Failure Condition

The PCM monitors the pre-converter heated oxygen sensor input to determine when its voltage becomes either 151 millivolts less than or 151 millivolts greater than average pre-converter heated oxygen sensor bias voltage for 0.1 seconds. If it takes too long, DTC P0141 will set.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  The PCM will illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) after two consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    •  The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the DTC sets. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    •  A first failure of this DTC will store in Last Test Failed but not History.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    •  The PCM will turn the MIL OFF after three consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    •  A Last Test Failed DTC will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    •  A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles with no failures of any diagnostic test.
    • Use a scan tool to clear DTCs.
    • Interrupting PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes in PCM Description and Operation.

Diagnostic Aids

Notice: Do not solder heated oxygen sensor wires. Soldering the wires will result in the loss of the air reference to the sensor. Refer to Engine Electrical for proper wire and connection repair techniques.

An intermittent open in CKT 839 or 1350 may cause DTC P0141 to set. Additionally, a malfunctioning pre-converter oxygen sensor heater may be the cause.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. When starting with a cool sensor, amperage should start at 1.5 amps and slowly drop to about 0.9 amps. This verifys that the heater is actually producing heat.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

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Go to Step 2

Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the key ON, engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect pre-converter oxygen sensor connector.
  3. Using DMM J 39200 measure the voltage between terminals C and D (harness side).

Is the voltage more than the value specified?

10.5 volts

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Jumper terminal D to terminal D (harness to sensor).
  2. Place DMM J 39200 in series between terminals C to C (harness to sensor).
  3. Measure the AMPERAGE on the circuit.

Is the amperage between the values specified

0.9 - 1.5 amps

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

4

Measure the voltage from terminal D (harness side) to ground.

Is the voltage the same or higher than the value specified?

10.5 volts

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Reconnect all connectors.
  2. Using Freeze Frame data, operate the vehicle under the same conditions under which the DTC set.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to DTC P0139 HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 2

Fault not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids

6

Repair the open in the Pre HO2S ground circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

7

Repair the open or short to ground (blown fuse) in the Pre HO2S Ignition feed circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

8

Replace the oxygen sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Replacement (Pre- and Post-Converter) .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

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